Retro-Reflective Optical Probe for Biosensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical biosensors require expensive and complex spectroscopic light sources and components to detect analytes, making them unsuitable for point-of-care testing under resource-limited conditions.
Innovation Solution
An optical probe with a transparent core particle, a total-reflection inducing layer, and an analyte-sensing substance is developed, capable of generating a strong retro-reflective signal using a general light source, allowing for non-spectroscopic bio-sensing without the need for expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectroscopic light sources and optical components are used to detect optical signals, then signal sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent dyes that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, creating distinct color signatures for different analytes. This allows detection using simple color-based analysis rather than complex spectroscopic measurements, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual color copies or representations of analyte presence through fluorescent signals that can be captured by simple cameras or even the human eye, eliminating the need for expensive spectroscopic instruments while preserving detection capability
2Measurement precision
If high-power short-wavelength laser light sources are used, then signal sensitivity is improved, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the excitation wavelength parameters to match the absorption spectra of commonly available fluorescent dyes, allowing the use of lower-power LED or laser diode light sources instead of high-power short-wavelength lasers, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive fluorescent dyes and simple light sources that can be replaced or renewed easily, substituting for expensive, power-hungry laser systems while achieving comparable detection performance for point-of-care applications
3Measurement precision
If spectroscopic filters and light receiving elements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent dyes with distinct emission colors that can be differentiated by simple color analysis or even human vision, eliminating the need for expensive spectroscopic filters and photomultiplier tubes while maintaining detection accuracy through color-based discrimination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical spectroscopic systems with optical systems based on fluorescent emission, where detection is achieved through color analysis using simple cameras or sensors rather than mechanical scanning spectrometers, thereby reducing component complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The optical probe enables effective detection and analysis of analytes using a minimal optical system, including a low-magnification microscope or smartphone, with enhanced sensitivity and ease of use, suitable for point-of-care testing.
Implementation Method 1
a total-reflection inducing layer covering a portion of a surface of the core particle and made of a material having a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the core particle in a visible light wavelength range of 360 nm to 820 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe for a bio-sensor selectively conjugated to a target analyte and configured to retro-reflect incident light thereto is disclosed. The optical probe for the bio-sensor includes: a transparent core particle; a total-reflection inducing layer covering a portion of a surface of the core particle, the inducing layer is made of a material having a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the core; a modifying layer formed on the total-reflection inducing layer; and an analyte-sensing substance bound to the modifying layer, the sensing substance is selectively conjugated to the target analyte. This optical probe may serve as an excellent optical probe for both a non-spectral light source and a spectral light source.